Tampa Bay Rays to build new $900mn baseball stadium
Major League Baseball outfit Tampa Bay Rays have revealed plans for a brand-new stadium in a project that is worth around $900mn.
To be located across the bay from existing ground Tropicana Field, the new arena will seat around 28-30,000 spectators and be covered by a glass dome and retractable glass walls.
The roof is designed to allow comfortable spectating temperatures and ensure certainty of play in bad weather conditions.
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Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg commented: “I'm proud and incredibly excited to present our vision of a ballpark and one that is of, by and for the people of Tampa Bay.
“I speak for the whole Rays organisation and the 20 years we've had here today that we expect to be here for generations to come. We believe that baseball can not only survive but thrive in Tampa, in Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay region.”
The new stadium will be located in the Ybor area, which is said to be more favourable for fans as 1.6mn people will live within a 30-minute drive.
Tampa Bay Rays will approach investors with a view to financing the project, with an opening date sometime in 2023, according to reports in the local Tampa Bay Times.
Tropicana Field has been home to the franchise since it was founded in 1998, and saw an average of 15,500 fans attend games last season. It is hoped that the new arena will attract more supporters.